Greaux Healthy Day declared in Lake Charles: Pennington Biomedical’s Greaux Healthy Initiative highlights childhood obesity challenge in SWLA

(Press-News.org) Local elected officials and community stakeholders gathered on March 5 at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital to learn about Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Greaux Healthy initiative. Greaux Healthy is an initiative by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in partnership with the State of Louisiana focused on preventing and treating childhood obesity in Louisiana.

Lake Charles Mayor Marshall Simien, Jr. was onsite to present the group with a proclamation announcing March 5th as “Greaux Healthy Day” in Lake Charles.

As childhood obesity rates in Louisiana rank among the highest in the nation, the Greaux Healthy initiative seeks to engage local education, healthcare, business, and government leaders in a collaborative effort to address this pressing health crisis. This event in Lake Charles was the latest stop in Greaux Healthy’s Road Sheaux campaign, a statewide tour visiting all nine Louisiana Department of Health regions.

Studies have found that Louisiana residents identify childhood obesity as the top health concern for children, ranking it above smoking and vaping, mental health challenges, diabetes and high blood pressure. Today, more than 1 in 3 children in Louisiana are living with overweight or obesity.

“Our children’s health is too precious to wait. We must act now,” said Melissa Martin, Director of Greaux Healthy. “Childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis that demands our immediate attention. Through Greaux Healthy, we are raising awareness, expanding access to evidence-based solutions, equipping educators and healthcare providers with tools to support prevention, and building community partnerships that empower families to take charge of their health and create a brighter future for generations to come.”

The Greaux Healthy initiative, developed in partnership with the State of Louisiana, aims to furnish communities with essential tools and programs grounded in over 35 years of research from Pennington Biomedical. The initiative focuses on four key populations: expectant families and parents of infants, preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and teens and young adults. 

“Today is an exciting milestone for Pennington Biomedical Research Center and for families across Louisiana,” said Dr. Jennifer Rood, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “The launch of Greaux Healthy in Lake Charles – and the City’s declaration of Greaux Healthy Day – reflects a shared commitment to helping every child grow up healthy and strong. For more than 35 years, Pennington Biomedical has translated research into real-world solutions. Greaux Healthy brings that science directly to families, offering practical, evidence-based support and reinforcing our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.”

Families, educators, healthcare providers and community organizations are encouraged to learn more at www.greauxhealthy.org. 

About Greaux Healthy
Greaux Healthy is an evidence-based public service initiative by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in partnership with the State of Louisiana focused on preventing and treating childhood obesity in Louisiana. Drawing from over 35 years of scientific research, Greaux Healthy creates evidence-based tools, resources, and programs that promote better health for children of all ages. Each component of the initiative serves as a guide to empower families, educators, healthcare providers, and communities with proven practices to prevent and treat childhood obesity. By fostering collaboration and providing practical solutions, Greaux Healthy is working to create a healthier future for Louisiana’s children. Learn more at www.greauxhealthy.org.

END